Google Confirms Android Will Get RAW Imaging and Burst Mode

One thing that’s lacking in Android devices is the ability to capture and save RAW image files and take multiple pictures with burst mode. Sure some devices feature burst mode, but it’s not built into the default Android camera application. This is about to change in the future, as Google spokesperson Gina Scigliano confirmed early rumors that such support will be making its way to Android in a future update.

“Android’s latest camera HAL (hardware abstraction layer) and framework supports raw and burst-mode photography. We will expose a developer API in a future release to expose more of the HAL functionality,” Scigliano said.

With support for RAW image files, users of Android devices will be able to take full advantage of their images free from compression and processing. This allows significantly more post-processing flexibility, especially compared to the lossy compressed JPG images. Of course, those who do not need to tinker with their photos won’t be experiencing the full potential and benefits of such support, but it’s good to know that there will be the choice in the future.

Similarly for burst mode, choice is the main benefit. We are all well aware that in addition to the many OEMs that have already implemented their own burst mode into their camera software, there are dozens of third party apps that do the same thing. Nevertheless, having native burst mode is definitely a step forward for Android.

Scigliano also mentioned that the “team is aware of the issues and is working on a software update” in regards to Nexus 5 camera responsiveness. However, there is no definite timeline or explicitly set date for both the release of the RAW and burst mode support, and a possible fix to problems of the Nexus 5 camera.

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